The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Paul Nagle Gray (NSN: 0-100272/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of an Attack Bomber in Fighter Squadron FIFTY-FOUR (VF-54), based on board the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 29 October 1951. While leading an element of sixteen bombers in a strike against a strategic hostile military command post at Kapsan, Commander Gray pressed home repeated bombing, strafing and napalm runs in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire and personally destroyed two headquarters buildings. Continuing his daring attacks, he greatly aided his strike group in achieving pin-point accuracy within a defined perimeter which resulted in the complete destruction of the dominant hostile command post and the annihilation of high-ranking enemy military leaders and their advisors. By his outstanding courage, aggressive leaderships and zealous devotion to duty, Commander Gray contributed materially to the success of his squadron in dealing a damaging blow to the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Paul Nagle Gray (NSN: 0-100272/1310), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an attack bomber while attached to and serving as Commanding Officer, Fighter Squadron FIFTY-FOUR (VF-54), based aboard the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 14 September 1951.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Paul Nagle Gray (NSN: 0-100272/1310), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an attack bomber while attached to and serving as Commanding Officer, Fighter Squadron FIFTY-FOUR (VF-54), based aboard the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against hostile North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces. On 2 January 1952, Commander Gray was leading a strike group of attack bombers and fighter bombers against three heavily-defended key rail bridges along the enemy’s main supply route in the vicinity of Pyolchang-ni, North Korea. As the attacking force reached the target area, they were met with a withering barrage of anti-aircraft fire. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, he courageously led the strike group in repeated smashing attacks against these enemy gun emplacements, personally knocking out a heavy four gun battery with a direct bomb hit and silencing several automatic weapons positions with his continued accurate bombing. Pressing his advantage to the utmost, he shifted his savage attacks to the rail bridges, dropping the center span of the main objective, and sharing in the severe damage inflicted upon the other bridges. Thirty-two gun positions were knocked out of action, an estimated one hundred troops were killed, and all three of the vital rail bridges were destroyed. His gallant devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.